Spring will have to wait until at least this weekend as a strong cold front will cause temperatures around the Tampa Bay region to plummet.

The much colder air will be fueled by a front that has pushed to the south, bringing gusty northwesterly winds and temperatures that will run 10 degrees below normal for much of the week, News Channel 8 meteorologist Leigh Spann said.

The strong winds have prompted red-flag warnings at Clearwater Beach as swimmers are urged to avoid the water due to dangerous surf conditions and strong currents.

Highs today will only reach the mid-60s under mostly sunny skies, with the breezes making it feel even cooler, Spann said.

Lows tonight will dip into the low- to mid-40s, and even colder in northern and inland areas.

Highs Tuesday will struggle to reach 60 under sunny skies, with lows in the upper-30s to low-40s.

Temperatures will gradually warm throughout the week, reaching more season highs in the mid-70s by the weekend.